Recognized for our attention to a high level of patient care and quality testing, the Circulatory Centers of Pennsylvania receives recognition for their commitment to provide the highest level of patient care and quality testing for the diagnosis of vascular disease...click here to read full article.

The Circulatory Centers was founded in 1979 by William G. Katz, M.D., F.A.C.S., a board certified vascular surgeon. Over the past decade we have seen tremendous advances in the treatment of varicose veins. The patient whose only option might once have been "vein-stripping" can now expect safe, nearly painless elimination of problem veins.

The physicians at The Circulatory Centers have led the way for many of the advances in varicose vein treatment. Dr. Katz was one of the pioneers in the use of sclerotherapy and also perfected a highly successful out-patient surgical procedure for the small percentage of patients who needed it. The physicians at The Circulatory Centers have further refined and improved upon these procedures so that today our treatments eliminate both large and small varicose veins. The Circulatory Centers are now regarded as one of the best medical providers for vein therapy in the country!

Each Circulatory Centers physician works with a team of highly qualified medical personnel. The latest diagnostic techniques and technologies are used to determine the precise cause of varicose veins for each individual patient so that the appropriate treatment can be recommended. Outpatient ambulatory surgery may be needed to start the treatment process in a small percentage of cases. This surgery, however, is not the outdated vein stripping most doctors are familiar with, but a less invasive procedure.

The Circulatory Centers are now under the direction of Louis M. Certo, M.D., F.A.C.S. A graduate of St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Louis M. Certo, M.D., earned his medical degree from the University of Rome in Italy. After, completing a five year residency in general surgery, Dr. Certo joined the St. Francis Medical Center staff in 1988, UMPS St. Margaret Memorial Hospital staff in 1990 and St. Francis Hospital Cranberry in 1998. Board certified in general
surgery, Dr. Certo is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He has been a staff surgeon for The Circulatory Centers since 1997.

In addition to the obvious convenience of outpatient ambulatory care, The Circulatory Centers' treatments are far less costly than vein stripping surgery and related hospital expenses. The Circulatory Centers' evaluation and treatment procedures are covered by many major medical insurance plans! In fact, we are in network with many of the top health insurance carriers throughout the tri-state area. Our office personnel will gladly review all insurance forms and submit claims to relieve patients of cumbersome, often confusing paperwork.

 Paul Shields, D.O.
Staff Physician

Dr. Paul Shields completed his undergraduate studies at Gannon University in Erie, PA. He then went on to earn his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1999. Dr. Shields subsequently completed a three year Family Medicine residency and is board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians (AOBFP). Dr. Shields practices medicine full time in the Erie area and serves as the medical director of the Pennsylvania Soldiers' and Sailors' Home.